Michigan State defensive end William Gholston was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth round with the 126th overall pick.

Gholston is the third Spartans player to be taken in this year's draft. Running back Le'Veon Bell having been selected in the second round Friday night by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Tight end Dion Sims was selected early in the fourth round by the Miami Dolphins.

“Will Gholston anchored a defensive line that helped Michigan State rank No. 1 in the Big Ten in rush defense, total defense and scoring defense and finished among the NCAA’s Top 10 in all those categories,” MSU head coach Mark Dantonio said. “He’s an active player, who consistently provided a physical presence at the point of attack. Will has a tremendous upside and the physical skills to become a consistent playmaker.”

Gholston was a second-team All-Big Ten selection by the media as a junior in 2012, honorable mention All-Big Ten by the coaches and was a second team All-Big Ten by Phil Steel before deciding to forgo his senior season in East Lansing.

"Gholston, to me, is intriguing," NFL draft analyst Mike Myock said. "Because he can play 4-3 base end or the 3-4 teams will like him as a five technique. With his size, and his body, I think he's one of those guys if he ends up on the right team will be a better pro then he was in college."

That right team is now is Tampa Bay.

As a junior in 2012, he ranked fourth on the Michigan State defense with 59 tackles and led the team and ranked eighth in the Big Ten with 13.0 tackles for. Gholston also led the team with tackles for loss and led the Spartans with 4.5 sacks. He also ranked first in the FBS among defensive linemen with 10 pass break-ups.

"Will Gholston anchored a defensive line that helped Michigan State rank No. 1 in the Big Ten in rush defense, total defense and scoring defense and finished among the NCAA’s Top 10 in all those categories," MSU coach Mark Dantonio said. "He’s an active player, who consistently provided a physical presence at the point of attack. Will has a tremendous upside and the physical skills to become a consistent playmaker."